Falling Debris Injury Lawyer

While human error is a reasonable risk that accompanies any construction site or other work area that contains heavy materials or equipment, there are some errors that can be attributed to negligence or incompetence. The following scenarios are common causes of falling debris accidents.

• Unsecured tools or materials – Workers commonly move tools and other materials around while they work. Careless placement of heavy or sharp items can result in accidents. Falling tools can injure or kill innocent parties walking or standing below. Workers must place tools and materials in a secure location when not in use to avoid falling objects-related accidents.
• Poor signage – It is the contractor’s or property owner’s responsibility to clearly mark a construction area or other hazardous work area to alert shoppers or passers-by that there is an immediate risk of falling debris.
• Failure to clearly define dangerous areas can be construed as negligence.
• Missing or inadequate barricades – Blocking off dangerous areas is essential to preventing falling debris accidents. There is typically a designated hard-hat zone within construction sites that must be barricaded to prevent accidental entry by unknowing pedestrians or shoppers. If a barricade is knocked down or never erected, the liability for injuries may fall on the construction manager or the property owner.
• Faulty equipment – All equipment used in a public area must be properly maintained to prevent critical failure. Faulty cords, hooks or other functional devices that hold materials or other heavy tools in place can cause falling objects accidents. Liability for faulty equipment can fall with the equipment owner, manufacturing company, maintenance contractor or property owner.